Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias, commonly known as 'Pennywort', is a species of aquatic plant in the Apiaceae family. It is indigenous to Australia, specifically in the eastern parts of New South Wales and Victoria.
Appearance
This perennial herb has flexible, thin, and red stems that creep along the ground or over the water surface. The leaves are round to kidney-shaped, green, and glossy, with a diameter of up to 4 cm. The foliage grows in whorls of 5 to 9 leaves per node, often creating a dense mat. The plant grows low to the ground and has small white flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Uses
Pennywort is commonly used in aquariums as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and hardiness. It can also be cultivated as an aquatic or semi-aquatic groundcover in ponds, wetlands, and water gardens, where it helps control erosion and provides shelter for aquatic organisms. Additionally, the plant has been used medicinally by some indigenous Australian communities to treat headaches, rheumatism, and skin conditions.
Light Requirements
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias prefers bright, indirect light. It should receive at least 6 hours of light daily, but direct sunlight for extended periods can stress the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does best in temperatures between 65-82°F (18-28°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but should be kept away from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F(16°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in nutrient-rich substrates such as aquatic soils, garden loam, and clay soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. A pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for this plant.
Water Requirements
As a semi-aquatic plant, Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias requires a consistently high level of moisture. It should be planted in shallow water or a damp substrate. The water level should be kept 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) above the soil level.
Cultivation of Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias:
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana is a hardy aquatic plant that can be grown in aquariums. It can also be grown in ponds, flowing water, or water gardens. However, it is essential to keep this plant inside a controlled environment because it may not survive extreme weather conditions.
When cultivating this plant, it is vital to use nutrient-rich substrate for sufficient growth. This plant requires good quality lighting for photosynthesis and a consistent temperature of between 20 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Watering needs:
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana requires water with a neutral pH of 7.0. This plant should not be kept dry at any time, and ideally, it should be grown in 5-10 cm of water. The water level should not exceed 20 cm as the leaves will rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization:
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana requires regular fertilization with both macro and micronutrients. Iron and potassium are two essential macronutrients that are necessary for healthy growth. CO2 injection can aid with successful conditions. It is recommended to fertilize twice a week to ensure the plant receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Pruning:
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana requires frequent pruning to control its size and growth. In aquariums or ponds, it can quickly become overgrown and block light. Regular trimming will prevent this. The plant can be cut back to any desirable length by trimming its stem. This plant can propagate quickly through runners or offshoots with trimming promoting it to create denseness and fill out.
Propagation of Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias, commonly known as the water pennywort, is a popular aquatic plant. It is a fast-growing species that is easy to propagate.
Propagation by runners
One of the easiest ways to propagate Hydrocotyle verticillata is through its runners. The plant forms runners that emerge from the mother plant and grow along the water surface. These runners will produce new plants at the nodes. To propagate the plant using runners, simply separate the new plants from the mother plant and plant them in a new location.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Another method to propagate Hydrocotyle verticillata is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy and mature stem with several leaves and make a clean cut below the last node. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and plant it in a substrate or directly into the aquarium. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid, and well-lit place until it develops roots and starts to grow. Once the cutting has matured and established its roots, it can be transplanted to a new location.
Propagation by seeds
Finally, Hydrocotyle verticillata can also be propagated through seeds. It produces small, green seeds that can be collected from the mature plant. Sow the seeds in a substrate and keep them moist until they germinate. Once they have sprouted, keep the seedlings in a well-lit and warm place until they develop into mature plants that can be transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias is a beautiful aquatic plant that requires proper care to thrive. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases like leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew can affect Hydrocotyle verticillata. These diseases cause discoloration and deformities in leaves, reducing their photosynthetic efficiency. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to the plant and its surrounding soil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases like soft rot and bacterial leaf spot can also affect Hydrocotyle verticillata. These diseases cause wilting, yellowing, and rotting of leaves. To manage bacterial diseases, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a bactericide to the affected plant and its surrounding soil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pests
Aquatic insects: Aquatic insects like aphids, caterpillars, and leafhoppers can damage Hydrocotyle verticillata by feeding on its leaves and stems. To manage these pests, remove infected leaves and avoid overcrowding of plants. Use an insecticide that is appropriate for aquatic plants as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs can also feed on Hydrocotyle verticillata, causing irregular holes in leaves. To manage these pests, remove them manually and reduce the humidity levels around the plant. Also, avoid overwatering and reduce the organic matter in the soil.
Algae: Algae can be a problem for Hydrocotyle verticillata if it grows over the plant, reducing its access to light. To manage algae, reduce the amount of fertilizer in the water and maintain a healthy plant density. You can also physically remove the algae or use an algaecide that is appropriate for aquatic plants.
Regular monitoring and proper care can prevent most diseases and pests from affecting Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. var. fetherstoniana (Jennings) Mathias, ensuring its proper growth and development.
